69 St. Maarten Fun Facts: Not Even Locals Know Them All

Interesting things to know about St. Maarten in 2025

St. Maarten / St. Martin is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating Caribbean destinations in 2025. There are many interesting things to know about St. Maarten, which offers a plethora of unique characteristics waiting to be explored. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a curious reader, these fun facts about St. Maarten for kids and adults alike will deepen your appreciation for this Caribbean gem.

General St. Maarten fun facts

1. St. Maarten is nicknamed the ‘Friendly Island’

Known for its openness to visitors and free trade, St. Maarten has been branded the "Friendly Island", a tradition dating back to the Treaty of Concordia.

2. The island of St. Maarten / St. Martin is the smallest landmass shared by two nations

St. Maarten is the world's smallest inhabited island divided between two countries: the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Sint Maarten) and France (Saint-Martin).

3. The Dutch and French sides of St. Maarten / St. Martin have the oldest open-border

Since the Treaty of Concordia in 1648, the Dutch and French sides have maintained an open border, making it one of the oldest open borders in the world.

4. St. Maarten's coat of arms was designed by a 17-year old school girl

Sint Maarten's flag features the national bird (brown pelican), the national flower (sage), and the Courthouse of Philipsburg. It was designed by a schoolgirl for a competition.

5. The two sides of the island uses different electricity standards

The Dutch side follows US technical standards, while the French side adheres to European regulations, resulting in different electrical outlets and voltages.

6. St. Maarten was named after Saint Martin of Tours

The island is named after Saint Martin of Tours, historically regarded as the patron saint of travelers, reflecting the island's welcoming nature.

7. St. Maarten was already inhabited when the Great Pyramid was being built

The first archeological relics prove that St. Maarten was already inhabited in 2000 BC, around the time Egypt's pyramids were built.

Geography & climate fun facts about St. Maarten 

8. St. Maarten / St. Martin has the most beaches per square mile

Boasting 37 beaches across 37 square miles, St. Maarten has the highest number of beaches per square mile globally. They say Antigua has 365 beaches but that's just marketing.

9. The highest point of St. Martin is the 424 meters high Pic Paradis on the French side

The highest point on the island, Pic Paradis stands at 424 meters, offering hiking trails and breathtaking views.

10. St. Martin has a small uninhabited island, Tintamarre Island

A small, uninhabited island off the northeastern coast, known for its pristine beaches, snorkeling spots and mud bath. It is part of the French nature reserve.

11. St. Maarten's Simpson Bay Lagoon is the largest lagoon in the Caribbean

Simpson Bay Lagoon is the largest saltwater lagoon in the Caribbean, attracting luxury yachts and houseboats. This is what everybody says, but I have been to Codrington Lagoon in Barbuda which is much larger.

12. St. Maarten has a history of devastating hurricanes

St. Maarten has faced several devastating hurricanes, with Hurricane Irma (2017) causing significant destruction.

13. Lover's Beach is the smallest beach on St. Maarten

Lovers Beach is the smallest beach of St. Martin / St. Maarten. It only has enough sand for two people on the same towel.

14. Beaches in St. Maarten constantly change their shape

Seasonal storms completely reshape Mullet Bay or Maho Beach, sometimes stealing sand and making it narrow, while other times, the beach expands as if nature is constantly redesigning it.

15. Even though St. Maarten is a tiny island, it has two airports

Despite its small size, St. Maarten/St. Martin is served by two airports: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side and Grand Case-Espérance Airport (SFG) on the French side.

16. You can see 5 other islands from St. Maarten on a clear day

On a normal day, you can see St. Barts, Anguilla and Saba from St. Maarten. However, when conditions are right, you can also see St. Eustatius and even St. Kitts and Nevis, which is over 50 miles (82 km) away!

People of St. Maarten fun facts

17. The people of St. Maarten live according to ‘Island Time’. 

Life on St. Maarten is laid-back, with a relaxed approach to timekeeping.

18. St. Maarten's locals are superstitious

Many locals believe in “jumbies” (spirits), a common part of Caribbean folklore.

Economy fun facts about St. Maarten

19. St. Maarten's history of salt production is still reflected in the Great Salt Pond

Adjacent to Philipsburg, this 188-hectare pond was historically significant for salt production and is now recognized as an important bird area.

20. You can pay in 3 currencies in St. Maarten

The Dutch side uses the Netherlands Antillean Guilder, while the French side uses the Euro; however, the US Dollar is widely accepted throughout the island.

21. The French side Marigot market is the place to stock up on island-made souvenirs

A bustling market in the French capital offering local crafts, spices, and fresh produce.

22. St. Maarten is the casino capital of the Caribbean

The Dutch side has over a dozen casinos, earning it the title of the “Casino Capital of the Caribbean".

23. St. Maarten is a duty-free heaven

St. Maarten is renowned for its duty-free shopping, especially along Front Street in Philipsburg, where visitors can purchase jewelry, electronics, and other goods at tax-free prices.

Interesting fun facts about St. Maarten

24. No passport is needed for U.S. citizens arriving in St, Maarten on a cruise ship

American travelers visiting Sint Maarten by cruise ship do not need a passport as long as they are on a closed-loop cruise departing and arriving from the same US port.

25. French St. Martin, having a European culture, has clothing-optional beaches

The French side embraces a liberal beach culture, with Orient Bay Beach being one of the most famous clothing-optional beaches.

26. The two sides of St. Maarten / St. Martin has two different phone codes

The Dutch side uses the country code +1-721, while the French side uses +590. With a French phone number, you can call mainland France at domestic rates.

27. Each side of St. Maarten uses unique road signs

The Dutch and French sides have different road signs, sometimes causing confusion for visitors.

28. Donald Trump used to have one of the most expensive villas on St. Martin

Le Château des Palmiers, situated on Plum Bay Beach, is a luxurious estate previously owned by Donald Trump, featuring a six-bedroom ocean-side villa and a four-bedroom garden-side villa.

29. The final scene of the Hollywood movie ‘Speed 2’ was shot in St. Martin

The final scene, where the cruise ship runs aground is set in Marigot, the capital of the French side.

30. St. Maarten has the shortest international flight

The flight between Anguilla and Sint Maarten is among the world's shortest international commercial flights, covering a distance of approximately 19 miles.

31. Not a very fun fact, but St. Maarten has terrible traffic

Traffic congestion is a notable issue on the island, often exacerbated by bridge openings for marine traffic and limited road infrastructure.

32. Legend says, St. Maarten’s border was decided by a booze-fueled race

According to legend, the border between the Dutch and French sides was drawn by having two men walk in opposite directions around the island. The Dutchman drank gin while the Frenchman drank wine, and the French side ended up being larger—perhaps because the Dutchman stumbled more!

Tourism fun facts about St. Maarten

33. The world-famous Maho Beach is in St. Maarten

Maho Beach is probably one of the most famous beaches in the world where giant passenger planes land over the head of beach goers on their approach to Princess Juliana International Airport.

34. Sunset Beach Bar is a cool place to hang out for plane spotting

Sunset Beach Bar is an iconic establishment at Maho Beach. It's the perfect place to watch the planes land over Maho Beach while sipping on a tropical drink. They also have the flight schedule on display and you can listen to the communication between the planes and control tower.

35. There are many historic forts in St. Maarten / St. Martin

Fort Amsterdam, built by the Dutch in 1631 near Philipsburg, offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the island's colonial past.

36. St. Maarten hosts the annual Heineken Regatta

An annual sailing event attracting participants worldwide, celebrated for its thrilling races and lively parties.

37. Loterie Farm is the best place to chill and relax in St. Maarten after a long night of partying

This former plantation on Pic Paradis has been transformed into an eco-reserve with zip-lining and hiking trails.

38. St. Maarten's Great Bay Boardwalk is where most of the action happens during the day

Philipsburg’s boardwalk offers picturesque views, vibrant restaurants, and beachfront shopping.

39. St. Maarten is a cruise ship hotspot

The port in Philipsburg welcomes some of the largest cruise ships in the world.

40. St. Maarten’s oldest house now serves as the courthouse

The Courthouse in Philipsburg, built in the late 1700s, remains an iconic landmark.

41. You can take a ferry to many neighboring islands with a daily schedule

Ferries run to nearby islands like Anguilla, St. Barths and Saba, and sometimes even to St. Eustatius. The ferry ride to Saba is nicknamed “vomit comet”. Many people who take the ferry to go over decide to fly back instead.

42. St. Maarten is the island-hopping hub of the Caribbean

The best thing about St. Maarten is that you can take a day trip to nearby islands each with a distinct characteristic. Visit Anguilla for some of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean, take a short flight to Saba, an untouched rainforest island, or hop over to St. Barts, the island of the rich and famous and try to spot celebrities.

43. A St. Martin citizen turned her family home into a Christmas House

The St. Martin Christmas House is a beloved local attraction created by Bernadine Arnell Joe who turned her family house into a winter wonderland open to the public.

44. St. Maarten has the steepest zipline in the world

Rainforest Adventures in St. Maarten boasts "The Flying Dutchman," the world's steepest zipline, offering thrill-seekers a heart-pounding descent from Sentry Hill.

45. St. Maarten has many strip clubs from luxury to… errr… budget category

St. Maarten offers various adult entertainment venues, particularly in the Philipsburg area, with establishments like El Capitan and Club Carolina providing nightlife options for (mostly) men.

46. St. Maarten has a Star Wars museum

The Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, is a one-of-a-kind museum created by Nick Maley, the legendary artist behind Yoda in Star Wars. This hidden gem is packed with rare movie memorabilia, behind-the-scenes props, and personal stories from Hollywood’s greatest films.

47. The world's richest men anchor their mega yachts in St. Maarten

Simpson Bay Lagoon in St. Maarten is a yachting paradise, home to some of the most luxurious superyachts in the world, including late Steve Jobs’ yacht, Venus, and Victoria’s Secret founder Les Wexner’s yacht, Limitless.

48. St. Maarten has an underwater sculpture park

With over 300 artificial reef sculptures, the Under SXM underwater park is an amazing experience in St. Maarten.

Culture & heritage fun facts about St. Maarten

49. Dutch St. Maarten celebrates King’s Day

Sint Maarten celebrates King’s Day on April 27th in honor of the Dutch king, featuring street parties and parades.

50. French St. Maarten has the annual Grand Case Festival “Mardi Gras”

The Grand Case Tuesday Night Festival ‘Mardi Gras’ features live music, dancing, and street performances.

51. Jouvert Morning: The wildest wake-up call in St. Maarten

Jouvert Morning in St. Maarten starts before dawn (around 4 AM) and turns the streets into a massive, moving party where revelers dance for miles, covered in paint, mud, and powder, all while following live music trucks blasting soca and calypso beats!

52. St. Maarten and St. Martin have a border-crossing festival every year

Every year, the island celebrates its unity despite the border.

53. Steel pan music is a staple of St. Maarten's cultural scene

Steel pan music, originally from Trinidad, is a key part of St. Maarten’s culture, bringing vibrant, rhythmic energy to festivals and beachside performances.

54. Different public holidays on each side of the island

The Dutch and French sides of the island observe different public holidays, which can complicate planning events with friends across the border.

55. Illegal cock fight is still a thing in St. Maarten

Although this might not be a “fun" fact about St. Maarten, illegal cock fights still occur on the island mostly around public holidays.

Culinary & gastro fun facts about St. Maarten

56. St. Maarten / St. Martin is the culinary capital of the Caribbean

With over 100 nationalities, the island offers a rich culinary scene, featuring the most restaurants per square mile in the Caribbean.

57. National drink of St. Maarten: Guavaberry Liqueur

A traditional beverage made from local guavaberries, it's a must-try for visitors seeking authentic island flavors.

58. The best food in St. Maarten is not at luxury restaurants but at roadside ‘Lolos’

These open-air food stalls serve authentic Caribbean Creole comfort food, offering a taste of the island's rich culinary heritage. The most famous one is in Grand Case right at the beach.

59. National dish of St. Maarten: Callaloo soup

Callaloo soup, made with leafy greens, pork, and spices, is considered the national dish.

60. St. Maarten's cuisine has a Creole influence

St. Maarten’s food is heavily influenced by Creole flavors, blending African, European, and Caribbean ingredients.

61. Lobster thermidore is a must-try in St. Maarten

St. Maarten’s French side, especially Grand Case, is known for fresh Caribbean lobster.

Fauna & flora fun facts about St. Maarten

62. St. Maarten has (used to have) the Caribbean's smallest zoo

The St. Maarten Zoo was once the smallest zoo in the Caribbean, housing monkeys, parrots, and iguanas before closing after Hurricane Irma.

63. Iguanas roam the streets of St. Maarten

Iguanas are commonly seen roaming the island, often sunbathing near beaches.

64. St. Martin has an annual 'I Love My Ram' Goat Beauty Contest

Each year, they elect the most beautiful goat on the island in the Colombier district, on the French side. A truly unique experience!

65. Some of the rarest fish are found in St. Maarten waters

The Sargassum Triggerfish, an unusual species, can be spotted in St. Maarten’s waters.

66. Sharks are your friends and the best way to experience them is in a St. Maarten shark dive

Diving centers in St. Maarten, such as Ocean Explorers, offer shark diving experiences where divers can observe Caribbean reef sharks in their natural habitat.

67. National tree of St. Maarten: Flamboyant tree

The Flamboyant tree is celebrated as the national tree of St. Maarten, symbolizing the island's emancipation.

68. National bird of St. Maarten: Brown pelican

The Brown Pelican is recognized as the national bird of St. Maarten, embodying the island's rich coastal environment.

69. National flower of St. Maarten: Yellow sage

Yellow Sage (Lantana camara), also known as Spanish flag or West Indian Lantana, is designated as the national flower of St. Maarten.

How many of these St. Maarten fun facts did you know?

Whether you’re drawn to its rich history, stunning beaches, or cultural fusion, St. Maarten is an island like no other. From thrilling airplane landings to hidden beaches and mouthwatering cuisine, these 69 fun facts only scratch the surface of what makes St. Maarten a must-visit Caribbean destination. If you’ve learned something new, share this with fellow travelers and let the adventure begin!